Three Butterflies for Thursday

Last week, three butterflies emerged from chrysalis stage in the kitchen aquarium. The statistics for their survival to butterflydom aren’t very good. We learned at the botanical garden for every 400 eggs, ten become butterflies. The various stages of their lives provide food for many other outdoor insects, birds, etc. I try to give a few more a fighting chance to spread their wings and fly.  

The first to emerge was a female, identified by the blue on the hind wings.

Next was a male. Notice more yellow and very little blue patterning.

The third was a male, also. His hind wing didn’t develop properly, and the fore wing is damaged. It took him a little longer to decide if he was ready for the Big Backyard; but when I explained his options, he decided to try his wings. And off he flew.

I hope given the opportunity, you will fly, too. 🙂